Dental evacuation apparatus

ABSTRACT

A dental evacuation unit has a plurality of evacuation devices, each of the devices being connected to a common separator by its respective debris conducting line, and each line having a venturi located therein. Gas supply means are provided for selectively directing a flow of gas through one of the venturis toward the separator, thus creating a suction at the selected device to carry entrained matter through the respective debris conducting line to the separator. Distributing means are provided for diverting a minor portion of the gas flow to each of the other venturis to create a minor suction at the other devices to prevent unfiltered gas within the separator from escaping through the other debris conducting line.

United States Patent Ciavattoni et 51 May 30, 1972 [54] DENTAL EVACUATION APPARATUS [72] Inventors: Anthony Ciavattoni; William Hammen;

Karl Heimur, all of Staten Island, N.Y.

[52] US. Cl ..55/337, 4/263, 55/237, 55/259, 55/276, 55/279, 55/315, 55/339, 55/385,

137/608, 261/116, 26l/D1G. 54, 417/118 [51] Int. Cl ..A61c 17/04 [58] Field of Search ..128/276-278; 32/33; 4/262-263; 137/209, 608; 141/59; 302/39; 222/135,144.5;55/385 Austin ..128/277 Paugh ..55/337 Primary Examiner-Dennis E. Talbert, Jr. Assistant ExaminerVincent H. Gifford Att0rneyEarl T. Reichert and Carl A. Hechmer, Jr.

[ ABSTRACT A dental evacuation unit has a plurality of evacuation devices, each of the devices being connected to a common separator by its respective debris conducting line, and each line having a venturi located therein. Gas supply means are provided for selectively directing a flow of gas through one of the venturis toward the separator, thus creating a suction at the selected device to carry entrained matter through the respective debris conducting line to the separator. Distributing means are provided for diverting a minor portion of the gas flow to each of the other venturis to create a minor suction at the other devices to prevent unfiltered gas within the separator from escaping through the other debris conducting line.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,693,030 11/1954 Gleason et a1. ..32/33 Patented May 30, 1972 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. ANTHONY CIAVATTON! WILLIAM HAMMEN KARL HEIMUR ATTORNEY.

Patented May 30, 1972 3,665,682

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 AIR SUPPLY INVENTOR.

ANTHONY CIAVATTONI WILLIAM HAMMEN KARL HEIMUR ZZZ 'v'i (4,4,,

ATTORNEY.

Patented May 30, 1972 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 SALIVA EJECTOR CUSPIDOR 46 REGULATOR AIR SUPPLY IN VENTOR.

ANTHONY CIAVATTONI WILLIAM HAMMEN BY KARL HEIMUR ATTORNEY DENTAL EVACUATION APPARATUS This invention relates in general to dental equipment, but more particularly to an improved air operated dental evacuation apparatus or unit having a plurality of dental evacuation devices each of which utilizes the venturi principle for evacuating debris from the mouth of a dental patient during the practice of high speed dentistry.

Previously known dental apparatus useful for practicing this dental technique includes the use of a motor-fan air evacuation unit similar to the conventional household vacuum cleaner. Such units are utilized to draw a negative pressure (a suction), i.e., a pressure below atmospheric pressure, in a debris conducting line which has an intake end adapted for being held in or near the mouth of a dental patient. Such previously known apparatus relies upon the old motor-fan air evacuation unit to cause debris to be entrained in a large volume of air, and to be moved through the debris conducting line to waste by the action of the negative pressure created by the motor-fan air evacuation unit.

Other types of dental apparatus include air operated evacuation systems utilizing the venturi principle to create a suction or negative pressure in the dental handpiece. However, heretofore the venturi has been located in the dental handpiece, the air entering the venturi by an internal tube located within the debris conducting line thus making the line heavy, and less flexible for retraction mechanisms. Also, many air operated evacuation systems have separators which utilize screens for collecting the solids evacuated from the patients mouth. To clean the separator, this screen has to be removed. In many cases, in order to remove the screen, a drain line which is used to remove the separated liquid has to be first disconnected; the drain line is connected below the solids collector screen, and liquids must therefore pass through the separated solids upon draining. This not only restricts the drain passage, but may cause overflow through an air exhaust passageway of the separator.

Accordingly, one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a compact evacuation unit having a plurality of evacuation devices which operate from a coordinated air evacuation system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air operated dental evacuation unit that is designed to operate a plurality of dental evacuation devices, and to accept large volumes of water as would normally be provided from a continuously operating flushing funnel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation unit which while handling large amounts of water can successfully separate the water from the vacuum producing air so that the water can be discharged through a liquid discharge line, and air exhausted through an air exhaust port or passageway.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation unit capable of efficiently separating gas, liquid, and solids.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation unit which provides for the removal of solids without first disconnecting a liquid discharge line.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation unit having a separator in which separated liquid does not pass through separated solids, thus resulting in a faster draining capacity, and also in eliminating possible water overflow from the separator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation unit having a separator in which separated solids can be easily removed by disconnecting a cap on the separator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air operated evacuation unit having a debris conducting line which is more adaptable to a retraction mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation unit having a separator which eliminates the need for a collection screen for separating solids.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a separator which allows further separation of any air remaining entrained in the liquid being discharged.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dental evacuation unit having a plurality of dental evacuation devices, the unit allowing a selected one of the devices to deposit debris into a common separator, while at the same time preventing backflow of unfiltered gas through unused evacuation devices, and reducing the noise level of exhausting gases.

Briefly, the present invention seeks to accomplish the above objects by providing a compact dental evacuation unit having a plurality of individual dental evacuation devices, any one of which may be selectively utilized. Upon utilization, the selected evacuation device delivers debris extracted from a patient's mouth into a common separating device or separator. Means are provided for preventing backflow of unfiltered air from the separator into the unused evacuation devices, and consequently into the dental office. The separator provides for very effective separation of gas, liquid, and solids by being structured so as to generate a cyclone or whirlpool motion of debris being discharged into the separator. The separated gas is exhausted through a filtered exhaust port into the dental offree, while liquid is discharged through a separate liquid discharge line or hose, and solids accumulate in the bottom of the separator. The collection of solids contained within the bottom of the separator is easily removed by disconnecting a cap on the bottom of the separator without the necessity of first disconnecting the liquid discharge line. Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below.

In the drawings FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a dental evacuation unit illustrating the major components of the present invention mounted in their respective holders.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the overall air evacuation system of the present invention with the separator being shown in section.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and showing the arrangement of the debris conducting passageways within the separator.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken through line 44 of FIG. 2 showing the top of the separator with connections thereto.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram indicating the direction of flow within the unit upon the utilization of a selected dental evacuation device.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a dental evacuation unit indicated generally by the numeral 10. Mounted upon this dental evacuation unit is a plurality of dental evacuation devices which includes a cuspidor 12, an aspirator l4 and a saliva ejector 16. Each of these evacuation devices is operated from a coordinated air operated evacuation system utilizing the venturi principle, designated generally by the numeral 18. These devices conduct debris extracted from a patients mouth through debris conducting lines 20, 22, and 24 into a common separating device or separator designated generally by the numeral 26. As stated above, the present dental evacuation unit operates on the venturi principle, each of the conducting lines having a venturi disposed therein, the respective venturis being mounted to the top of the separator 26; the respective venturis are designated generally by the numerals 28, 30, and 32. Separator 26 receives debris extracted from a patients mouth and separates the same into its component parts discharging gas and liquid through separate passageways while solids accumulate within the bottom of the separator for easy removal.

Referring to FIG. 2, the overall air evacuation system will be described in more detail. Compressed air or gas is directed from a source through gas inlet line 31 and into manifold 34; the pressure of the gas within the manifold is uniformly maintained by the presence of a pressure regulator 36 connected thereto. Connected to the manifold 34 are three solenoid controlled flow control valves designated by the numerals 38, 40,

and 42. Actuation of one of the valves delivers a flow compressed gas into a selected one of gas supply lines or conduits designated by the numerals 44, 46, and 48, each of the gas supply lines being connected to its respective venturi mounted on top of the separator 26. Thus there are a plurality of gas supply means or passageways extending between the source of compressed gas or air, and the venturis mounted on top of the separator 26, there being one passageway associated with each of the venturis. Each of these passageways is adapted to direct the flow of gas toward the separator.

Each of the venturis 28, 30 and 32 are identical in construction and operation; thus only venturi 32 shown in section on the left will be described. Venturi 32 includes a restricted annular zone 52, and an enlarged passage 53 located downstream thereof. Compressed air or gas enters annular zone 52, and is directed past passage 50 toward the separator 26 via the enlarged passage 53. Thus, a suction or negative pressure is created upstream in the saliva ejector 16, saliva ejector 16 being connected to conducting line 24. As a result saliva is directed through line 24, passage 50, through the enlarged passage 53 and toward separator 26. It is noted that venturi 32 is threadably connected to separator 26, having a gasket 58 disposed therebetween to insure a good fluid-tight seal with the separator.

The top of the separator 26 is closed by a removably mounted closure 54 having an annular groove disposed around the periphery thereof, this groove having an O-ring 56 mounted therein.

Extending between closure 54 and a transverse partition 66 located within the separator is a plurality of intermediate lines or passageways represented by the numeral 59. Intermediate lines 59 connect each of the venturis mounted to the top of the separator with a separation chamber to be later described. Each of the intermediate lines 59 is identical in construction; thus, only the intermediate line shown in section on the left will be described. This includes a tubular member 60 having a diverging passage as it extends downwardly into the separator. Tubular member 60 has an annular groove disposed around the circumference thereof, this groove having an O-ring 62 mounted therein. Tubular member 60 mates with and extends into a tubular member 64 which extends upwardly from transverse partition 66. Thus, a plurality of intermediate passageways extend between each of the venturis mounted on top of the separator, and separation chamber 68 located immediately below transverse partition 66.

An exhaust chamber 70 communicates with separation chamber 68 via a connecting passageway which includes a downwardly extending tubular passageway or member 72, a connecting chamber 73, and a laterally extending line 74. Mounted within exhaust chamber 70 is a filtering means 76. Connecting exhaust chamber 70 with the exterior thereof is an exhaust port or passageway 78. It is noted that filtering means 76 is mounted between line 74 and exhaust port 78.

Referring in more detail to separation chamber 68 (FIG. 2), it can be seen that the chamber is divided into an upper portion 80 having an inner annular surface of uniform diameter, an intermediate portion 82 having an inner annular surface of decreasing diameter as it extends downwardly, and a lower portion 84 having an inner annular surface of uniform diameter. Extending into the separation chamber 68 is a plurality of discharge lines or passageways represented by the numeral 86. Discharge line 86 are connected to intermediate lines 59 for the purposeof conducting matter from the intermediate lines into the separation chamber. Each of the discharge lines is identical in construction, and only the line shown in section on the left will be described. As can be seen discharge line 86 connects with tubular member 64, line 86 terminating with a curved portion disposed adjacent to the inner annular surfaces of the separation chamber, and having substantially the same center of curvature as the inner annular surfaces (FIG. 3). All of the described portions of the separation chamber have inner annular surfaces having the same center of curvature. Thus, matter of debris directed through discharge line 86 exits through opening 88, swirling around the inner annular surfaces of the separation chamber in a generally whirlpool fashion or manner. Thus, it can be seen that there is a plurality of debris conducting passageways extending from the evacuation devices into the separation chamber, each passageway terminating with a curved portion disposed adjacent to the inner annular surfaces of the separation chamber.

Connected to the lower portion 84 of the separation chamber is a cap designated generally by the numeral 90. Cap 90 includes a receptacle portion 92 having threads 94 at the upper end thereof for threadably connecting the cap to the separator. Surrounding the outer surface of the receptacle portion 90 is an annular L-shaped structure 96 defining an annular upwardly facing channel 98. Extending from the lower portion 84 of the separation chamber, and disposed above the upper edge of the receptacle portion 92 of the cap, is a liquid discharge line 100. Liquid and solids within the separation chamber 68 descend into the lower portion 84, the solids settling within the receptacle portion 92 of the cap, while liquid is simultaneously discharged through line 100. Any air entrained in the liquid being discharged is vented to the atmosphere via venting passageway 102, filtering means 76, and exhaust port 78.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the operation of the unit will now be described in detail. Any one of the dental evacuation devices may be selectively utilized by lifting the device from its holder in the dental unit which (by means not shown) will actuate the solenoid operated flow control valve associated therewith. For example, assume the cuspidor is selected for utilization. Lifting the cuspidor 12 from its holder in the dental unit actuates its associated solenoid operated flow control valve 42 to direct a flow of gas through the respective gas supply passageway extending between the source of compressed gas and venturi 28, and toward the separator 26. As previously explained, this flow of gas through venturi 28 creates a suction or negative pressure upstream of venturi 28 in the cuspidor, which sucks debris into conducting line 20, through venturi 28, and into the separator 26. As explained above, debris matter discharged into the separation chamber 68 through one of the discharge lines 86 swirls about the inner annular surfaces of the separation chamber in a whirlpool fashion. This action more effectively separates the gas, liquid, and solid components. The gas being lighter will rise within chamber 68, expand, and release additional moisture. The liquid and solids descend into the lower portion 84, the liquid discharging through liquid discharge line 100, while solids settle within the receptacle portion 92 of the cap (FIG. 2). The separated gas is directed to exhaust chamber 70 via a connecting passageway which includes tubular member 72, connecting chamber 73, and line 74. The gas then passes through filtering means 76, and exhaust port 78 to the surrounding atmosphere. The filtering means 76 serves not only to muffle the noise of the exhausting gas, but is also treated to prevent a buildup of germs, since a portion of the gas being exhausted has come from a patients mouth. Gas which did not separate in chamber 68, but became entrained with the discharging liquid, is vented through a venting passageway 102 extending between liquid discharge line and exhaust chamber 70. As can be seen in FIG. 2, this gas also passes through filtering means 76 before being discharged into the surrounding atmosphere.

Because cap 90 is disposed below liquid discharge line 100, separator 26 has a faster draining capacity in that the discharging liquid does not pass through a solids collector screen prior to discharge. It is to be noted that since cap 90 is disposed below the liquid discharge line, there would ordinarily be a danger of spillage upon removal of the cap to remove the solids contained therein. This is prevented in the present invention by the provision of compensating means in the form of an annular channel 98; this channel serves to capture liquid disposed above the upper edge of the receptacle portion 92 upon removal of the cap.

As debris is discharged into chamber 68 from the cuspidor (the device selected for utilization), it separates into gas, liquid, and solids as explained. Since the gas rises within chamber 68, a portion of this separated gas would ordinarily exit through the unused evacuation devices and into the dental office via discharge lines 85, intermediate lines 59, and the respective conducting lines. Since a portion of this separated gas comes from the patients mouth, this would generate unsanitary conditions by discharging unfiltered gas from the separator into the dental office. This is prevented in the present invention by providing distributing means for diverting a minor portion of the gas flow from the selected gas supply passageway, and directing it to the unused venturis to produce a minor suction at the unused evacuation devices while the major suction is created at the device selected for utilization.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that this distributing means includes a diverting or bias block 104 having an internal cavity 106 therein, and three restricted passageways 108, 110, and 112 connecting the cavity with the exterior of the block. The distributing means further includes three conduits 114, 116, and 118 connecting each restricted passageway within the block to one of the gas supply passageways.

Thus, in the present example, a minor portion of the gas flowing through the gas supply passageway extending between the source of compressed gas and venturi 28, is diverted via conduit 114, block 104, and conduits 1 16 and 1 18 to the other gas supply passageways. Thus, a minor flow of gas is directed through each of the venturis 30 and 32 which produces a minor suction at the unused devices, i.e., the saliva ejector and the aspirator. Due to this minor suction created at the unused devices, a reverse bias is created within each of the respective conducting passageways which tends to suck air from the surrounding atmosphere into separator 26, thus preventing unfiltered gas within separator 26 from exiting through these devices. This process occurs independent of which evacuation is selected for utilization.

Although I have described my invention with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of construction and combination, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. Dental evacuation apparatus for evacuating debris extracted from a patients mouth comprising;

a. a plurality of dental evacuation devices;

b. a separator adapted to separate gas, liquid, and solids;

c. conducting means for conducting liquid and debris from said evacuation devices to said separator, said conducting means comprising a conducting passageway extending from each of said evacuation devices to said separator, each of said conducting passageways having a venturi disposed therein;

. a source of pressurized gas;

a plurality of gas supply means for conducting gas from said source to the respective venturis, each comprising a supply passageway adapted to discharge said gas toward said separator;

. a plurality of flow control valves, there being at least one valve for each of said supply means, said valves being selectively operable to deliver said gas through a selected one of said supply means to its respective venturi whereby a negative pressure is created at the respective dental evacuation device;

g. distributing means for diverting a portion of said gas flowing through the selected supply means to the other of said supply means, said distributing means restrictively connecting each of said supply means with each of the remaining supply means at a point between their respective venturis and valves, the construction and arrangement being such that a ma or flow of gas 15 directed through a selected one of said supply means while a minor flow of gas is diverted via said distributing means to the other of said supply means, whereby a major suction is created at the evacuation device selected for operation, and a minor suction is created at the other evacuation devices.

2. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said distributing means comprises a block, said block having an internal cavity disposed therein, and a plurality of restricted passageways extending from said cavity to the exterior ofsaid block, said distributing means further including a plurality of conduits for connecting each of said restricted passageways to one of said supply means.

3. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said venturis are disposed adjacent to said separator.

4. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1, said separator having means defining separation chamber and an exhaust chamber, said separation chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion, a connecting passageway extending through said upper portion to said exhaust chamber, an exhaust passageway extending from said exhaust chamber to the exterior thereof, filtering means disposed within said exhaust chamber between said connecting passageway and said exhaust passageway, said separator being adapted to separate said debris into gas, liquid, and solids whereby the air ascends and passes through said connecting passageway, said filtering means, and said exhaust passageway, while said liquid and solids simultaneously descend to the lower portion of said separation chamber.

5. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said separator further includes liquid discharge means extending from said lower portion of said separation chamber, said liquid discharge means being disposed below said exhaust chamber, a venting passageway extending between said liquid discharge means and said exhaust chamber, said venting passageway communicating with said exhaust chamber on the same side thereof as said connecting passageway.

6. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said upper portion has an inner annular surface of uniform diameter, and said lower portion has an inner annular surface of uniform diameter which is less than that of said upper portion, said separation chamber further including an intermediate portion having an inner annular surface of decreasing diameter as it extends from said upper portion to said lower portion, each of said inner annular surfaces being symetrically disposed about a vertical axis, each of said conducting passageways extending into said upper portion and terminating with a curved portion having substantially the same center of curvature as said inner annular surfaces, each said curved portion being disposed adjacent to one of said inner annular surfaces and adapted to discharge said debris in a whirlpool manner around one of said inner annular surfaces.

7. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said separator includes a cap removably mounted to said lower portion, said cap being disposed below said liquid discharge means and adapted to receive separated solids, said separator further including compensating means, whereby, upon removal of said cap, liquid disposed between said liquid discharge means and said cap is captured within said cap.

8. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said cap comprises a receptacle portion for receiving separated solids, said receptacle portion being threadably connected to said lower portion, said compensating means comprising structure defining an annular upwardly facing channel surrounding the outer surface of said receptacle portion whereby excess liquid disposed above the upper edge of said receptacle portion is captured within said channel upon removal of said cap. 

1. Dental evacuation apparatus for evacuating debris extracted from a patient''s mouth comprising; a. a plurality of dental evacuation devices; b. a separator adapted to separate gas, liquid, and solids; c. conducting means for conducting liquid and debris from said evacuation devices to said separator, said conducting means comprising a conducting passageway extending from each of said evacuation devices to said separator, each of said conducting passageways having a venturi disposed therein; d. a source of pressurized gas; e. a plurality of gas supply means for conducting gas from said source to the respective venturis, each comprising a supply passageway adapted to discharge said gas toward said separator; f. a plurality of flow control valves, there being at least one valve for each of said supply means, said valves being selectively operable to deliver said gas through a selected one of said supply means to its respective venturi whereby a negative pressure is created at the respective dental evacuation device; g. distributing means for diverting a portion of said gas flowing through the selected supply means to the other of said supply means, said distributing means restrictively connecting each of said supply means with each of the remaining supply means at a point between their respective venturis and valves, the construction and arrangement being such that a major flow of gas is directed through a selected one of said supply means while a minor flow of gas is diverted via said distributing means to the other of said supply means, whereby a major suction is created at the evacuation device selected for operation, and a minor suction is created at the other evacuation devices.
 2. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said distributing means comprises a block, said block having an internal cavity disposed therein, and a plurality of restricted passageways extending from said cavity to the exterior of said block, said distributing means further including a plurality of conduits for connecting each of said restricted passageways to one of said supply means.
 3. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said venturis are disposed adjacent to said separator.
 4. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 1, said separator having means defining separation chamber and an exhaust chamber, said separation chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion, a connecting passageway extending through said upper portion to said exhaust chamber, an exhaust passageway extending from said exhaust chamber to the exterior thereof, filtering means disposed within said exhaust chamber between said connecting passageway and said exhaust passageway, said separator being adapted to separate said debris into gas, liquid, and solids whereby the air ascends and passes through said connecting passageway, said filtering means, and said exhaust passageway, while said liquid and solids simultaneously descend to the lower portion of said separation chamber.
 5. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said separator further includes liquid discharge means extending from said lower portion of said separation chamber, said liquid discharge means being disposed below said exhaust chamber, a venting passageway extending between said liquid discharge means and said exhaust chamber, said venting passageway communicating with said exhaust chamber on the same side thereof as said connecting passageway.
 6. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said upper portion has an inner annular surface of uniform diameter, and said lower portion has an inner annular surface of uniform diameter which is less than that of said upper portion, said separation chamber further including an intermediate portion having an inner annular surface of decreasing diameter as it extends from said upper portion to said lower portion, each of said inner annular surfaces being symetrically disposed about a vertical axis, each of said conducting passageways extending into said upper portion and terminating with a curved portion having substantially the same center of curvature as said inner annular surfaces, each said curved portion being disposed adjacent to one of said inner annular surfaces and adapted to discharge said debris in a whirlpool manner around one of said inner annular surfaces.
 7. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said separator includes a cap removably mounted to said lower portion, said cap being disposed below said liquid discharge means and adapted to receive separated solids, said separator further including compensating means, whereby, upon removal of said cap, liquid disposed between said liquid discharge means and said cap is captured within said cap.
 8. Dental evacuation apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said cap comprises a receptacle portion for receiving separated solids, said receptacle portion being threadably connected to said lower portion, said compensating means comprising structure defining an annular upwardly facing channel surrounding the outer surface of said receptacle portion whereby excess liquid disposed above the upper edge of said receptacle portion is captured within said channel upon removal of said cap. 